My mind works in delirious mysterious ways, I know, but when I think about the work of the Holy Spirit within us, I can’t help but think of Herbie. You know, the Love Bug?

In the first of the Herbie films, his new owner, Jim Douglas, has a hard time coming to the realization that there’s anything special going on inside of this little car. Jim can’t accept that Herbie has a mind of his own.

 
 
 
 
This is what the characters look like through the first part of the film…incredulous!
 
 
 
 
 
I think this is what it feels like sometimes when we’re learning to listen to the Holy Spirit. We wonder if there’s really something special at work inside of us? We wonder if it’s really Him that we are hearing? A lot of the time we just wonder…and maybe we look a little incredulous?

When we receive the Holy Spirit, it is through faith. He is our seal of salvation – our adoption papers, so to speak.

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15

Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6

The Holy Spirit is our ‘birthday gift’, given to us when we become born-again as believers and followers of Jesus Christ.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19

When we receive the gift of the Spirit, we are made new, remodeled to house the living Spirit of God. And just as we wouldn’t hide a treasured gift, we are told not to quiet the Spirit at work within us…it would be like fighting with our own steering wheel.

But can we really hear Him? How can we be sure? As we grow as Christians the Spirit’s voice in our lives will become more distinct. Through time spent in prayer and Biblical study, we become more accustomed to His lead in our lives. Call it a spiritual tune up!

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13

As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. 1 John 2:27

When we allow the Holy Spirit to be the driver in our lives, God has greater things than we could ever imagine planned for us!

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

 
 
 
 
Get ready for the victory lap!